Settled by German immigrants in the 1840s, the town of Fredericksburg maintains its German heritage, adding a unique flavor to a charming, prosperous town and popular tourist destination.

Fredericksburg History

It was sometime in the 1840s and Texas was trying to bring people in to settle the frontier. As was common, the lure was land, 4 million acres called the Fisher-Miller Land Grant.

Meanwhile, in Germany, the second sons of noble families faced a dilemma. The family land and title would go to the first son, and all subsequent son were pretty much left to fend for themselves. Moreover, political unrest had made heading to the frontier a prudent move.

Settling in Texas seems a perfect solution, and the Verein, or Society for the Protection of German Immigration in Texas created packages for the interested German families that included a plot of land in the town that would be built, and acreage outside of town for farming.

The history has made for a fascinating blend of Texas and Germany with a range of architectural styles, cuisines, and accommodations. Then, add in some Lyndon B. Johnson history, and a geological anomaly, and country music.

Downtown Fredericksburg

As odd as it sounds, Chocolat is the sole American producer of confectionary process known as Liquid Praline (liquid center chocolates). These aren't the mass produced injection-filled chocolates Americans have been eating for decades. Lecia Duke studied under a Swiss master Chocolatier to learn how to create a thin sugar shell which is then filled with luscious flavors ranging from expresso to Texas orange liqueur. The filled shell is then enrobed in rich, delicious chocolate.

Although noted for these delicacies, the store also sells fudge made of two ingredients – chocolate and cream. It is the best fudge I’ve ever tasted.

The Fredericksburg Pie Company has over 20 varieties of pie all made from scratch. I sampled the buttermilk, chocolate ancho, key lime, key lime coconut, and bourbon orange pecan. All delicious, but the key lime pies were sublime.

For coffee, one of my major food groups, stop by Fredericksburg Gourmet Coffee & Tea. This small storefront is a micro-roaster, taking Class I Specialty Grade Arabica Bean then using the Northern German slow roasting process to bring out the flavor without the sharpness of some roasting processes. The result was a French Roast that was rich and roasted without tasting bitter or burned.

The downtown is filled with individually owned shops. Collectibles and quilts, home decor, jewelry are popular themes. You can also get custom made boots at Easterling Custom Boot Company and there’s no shortage of art galleries either. Stop by the Fredericksburg General Store for a wide range of fun stuff. Elvis memorabilia anyone? At Hill Country Music you can watch Glenn Stevens, luthier work on stringed instruments.

Throughout the town you'll find German bakeries, and individually and locally owned shops. Many of the old buildings have been repurposed and make for interesting architecture.

National Museum of the Pacific War

Rapidly outgrowing its original home in what had been the Nimitz Hotel, the museum is now a nine-acre complex encompassing the Admiral Nimitz Museum, Japanese Garden of Peace, Plaza of Presidents, and the Memorial.

The new expansion will double the current space to over 35,000 square feet and create what is expected to be the most comprehensive museum in the country devoted to the war in the Pacific during World War II. It will house 40,000 documents related to the war, and a complete research center. There will be at least 6 multi-media stations in the gallery rooms.

Some of the highlights include an actual Japanese mini-submarine that is likely the only one left in the world, and one of perhaps 3 fighter seaplanes – fighter planes actually equipped with pontoons.

The Admiral Nimitz Foundation though was truly excited to announce that the Grand Opening, planned for Monday December 7th, 2009 will have as its honored guest, George H.W.Bush, the 41st president of the United States. His last visit to the museum was in 1999 to dedicate the George H.W. Bush Gallery. It is this gallery that is being expanded.

Other Attractions

Historical attractions include the Vereins Kirche (Society's Church) and the Pioneer Museum. The Pioneer Museum Complex provides a glimpse of early life in Fredericksburg. Included on the site are the Kammlah House and Store, the Fassel Home, the Walton-Smith Log Cabin, the Weber Sunday House, the White Oak Schoolhouse and more.

Part of Fredericksburg, but outside of the town center, Wildseed Farms is a family friendly destination. In the spring they plant fields with wild flowers, then mow a path. The Butterfly Haus is filled with butterflies which flutter around the plants and entrance and entice those of all ages (entrance fee).

Architecture

Limestone was abundant and became the building material of choice. But the houses and stores were constructed in a range of styles. Some seem to be updated log cabins, others craftsmen cottages, some houses have Victorian touches, others seem more medieval with crossed timbers. But the characteristic house has come to be called Sunday Houses. These tiny homes were built to be used on Sundays when farmers/ranchers and their families would come to town for shopping and socializing.